US Special Forces troops and fighters of the so-called Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) allegedlytook control of the Tabqa dam southwest of the ISIS-held city of Raqqah.

Reports about this appeared in various pro-Kurdish sources but were not confirmed by photos, videos or even an official statement from the SDF, the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (the core of the SDF) or the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).

“The Coalition supported this offensive with air movement and logistical support, precision airstrikes, Apache helicopters in close air support, Marine artillery, and special operations advice and assistance to SDF leadership,” the US-led coalition said in a statement at its website.

Thus, the US leadership officially confirmed the participation of its troops on the ground in the area which is likely a key part of the new US strategy against ISIS adopted by the Trump administration.

Alleged photos of US military servicemen and SDF fighters involved in the operation:

Cool! Looks like the SDF sneaks up on Daesh positions then quietly takes them out using silencers on the end of their rifles.

Dustil schmit

ISIS withdraw from Deir Hafya (large part of reasons why was this op probably) Tabqah city liberation operation begun apparently.

Leon Auguste

Well done

dutchnational

Centcom has already confirmed the SDF gain, even some pro Assad papers like Al Asmadar.

Very clever attack, more or less on the lines of an earlier comment made by me. The use of helicopters surprised me though, as did the use of (SDF?) paratroopers. The stormng of the dam from the north was a classic assault, profting, maybe, from IS confusion about what was going on. Nicely coordinated though.

Tabqa city, the airfield will be next.

Another crossing to the east is to be expected. Maybe near the partly destroyed pontoon bridge?

Within one to two weeks SDF will be in position to start the assault on Raqqa city.

“. . . so-called Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)” Is that kind of like “so-called Syrian Arab Army,” or the so-called “Turkey”, or the so-called “Russian Federation”? What is the point of denying the reality of a force made up of 60,000 pluriethnic troops who have driven a bunch of headchopping Daesh maniacs out of their homes?